Election Party Perfection

Party Planning

Election Party Perfection

You and your friends will love watching the results unfold with these party ideas!

-Jennifer Bauer

So, this will be my second year hosting an Election Party. Our first one, four years ago, was such a success that our friends have been asking for a re-do since the campaigning really ramped up six months ago! The key ingredients to this simple but fun theme party? Good friends, good food, good drinks, a large U.S. map and some red and blue markers. Yes, it’s that easy.

First, send the invite. I’m always a fan of just sending a quick, personal, maybe even witty, e-mail. Something like “We don’t care who you voted for or what propositions you support, but we do want you to come over to our place to watch the whole election unfold! Bring your appetite and thirst for the candidates’ favorite dishes! ‘I voted’ sticker required!” Of course, Evite is always a great option ,and they have multiple election-inspired themes to choose from.

Second, go to your local bookstore and buy a large U.S. map – paper is probably better than laminated, though paper is obviously a one-and-done kind of thing. Next, either raid your kid’s Crayola marker pack or hit the store and pick up your own. You will only need the red marker and the blue marker. Hang the map in a prominent spot in your place, near your TV, at arm’s level. That way you or one of your guests can color in the map as each state’s winner is declared.

Third, determine the menu. Now, you can either do this yourself or make it a potluck. If you decide to make it a potluck, assign each person/couple a theme – like bring a Sarah Palin dessert or a Barack Obama beverage. Let everyone know that at the party, guests will vote on which person/couple brought the best dish for their theme and will win a fabulous prize (which in my world is usually a bottle of wine). We all know that everyone likes to win, and you will get some really creative, funny, and memorable entries. However, if you are doing it yourself, here are some themed dish ideas:

Entrees:Barack Obama Wealth Redistribution Rotisserie Chicken (pick a few up at Costco, and they’re ready to go)John McCain Maverick Meatballs (you can buy frozen pre-made meatballs or make your own in a matter of minutes)

Finally, once Election Night is here, post a few American flags around the house, turn the TV to a news channel and just watch the results pour in. And don’t worry, if it’s a roaring success (which it will be), you will have another four years before you have to plan another one!